Heidi Earnshaw & Aled Lewis
June 5-9
This is a class about design and ideas. Work through the process of designing and developing a small-scale, sellable product that can be made in a reasonably well-equipped workshop. Focusing on a product that can be made in multiple numbers to improve profitability, Aled and Heidi will help students gain an advantage in this competitive field through key skills and techniques to improve replicability while still focusing on high quality craftsmanship. Through group discussions and one-on-one time with the instructors, learn to address issues of design, repeatability, and marketability as you narrow down to your most promising idea. Progress through the design process and take a resolved prototype back to your own shop to work towards a finished product.
Smaller objects are an excellent way to explore technique and form in a way that can later be applied to larger pieces. They are also a good revenue stream for furniture makers and woodworkers looking to access a wider market. Areas covered will include: critiquing and refining design ideas, sketch work, modelling, cost analysis and production ideas, and making jigs and templates for the production process.
Heidi Earnshaw is a self-employed furniture maker in Eastern, ON. After earning a B.A. of Fine Art at the University of Toronto, she studied design at Sheridan College, from which she graduated in 1999. A proponent of “slow design,” Heidi’s projects include private and public commissions, a growing made-to-order collection, and industrial design work. Her furniture has been exhibited across Canada and recognized through grants from the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts. In 2016 she co-founded Junction Workshop, a collaborative, community-based education space. In 2018 her work was featured on the back cover of the December issue of Fine Woodworking magazine. Heidi’s website is heidiearnshawdesign.com.
Aled Lewis is a furniture make in Machynlleth, Wales, who was the Lead Instructor for our Nine-month Comprehensive from 2009-2019. He originally trained at Rycotewood College and has more than 40 years of professional experience in all aspects of designing and making one-off and limited-production furniture. Clients range from private collectors to public institutions such as Oxford University and London-based law and finance companies. Aled was featured on the back cover of Fine Woodworking in February 2013, profiled in the September 2017 issue of Furniture & Cabinetmaking, and awarded a Bespoke Guild Mark from the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers of the City of London in 2018. His website is aledlewisfurniture.com.
Open to intermediate woodworkers.
